The History Channel announced today it will do an eight-hour mini-series on the Kennedy family. The TV station said it will focus on  intrigue and power-play, and on the Kennedy personalities rather than abstract politics.

In particular the series will delve into the complex relationship between Joseph Kennedy and his sons. The Atlantic Monthly TV blog has the press release:

“The Kennedys” is the saga of the most fabled political family in American history, told in a manner similar to “The Godfather”: a manipulative, egocentric father determined to live out his own ambitions through his sons, who in turn spent their lives dancing to his tune while at the same time trying to stand on their own.

The program will also explore the Kennedys’ mob connection, the press release said.

In March this year, the series-makers gave another statement to the press. The TV trade magazine Variety said  "The Kennedys" would explore "the soiled and crooked steps" the family took to get to the White House.

The project has a budget of $30 million and shooting starts in the spring. Joel Surnow is the co-creator of the show. He is a self-described conservative, whose credits include the TV drama “24,” and a satire called “The Half Hour News Hour,” both for Fox TV.

According to Variety, he promises to "unveil secrets" about the Kennedy family.